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What are the Most Common Early Miscarriage Signs?

By Patti Kate
Updated May 17, 2024
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The early miscarriage signs that can be detected are most commonly vaginal bleeding and cramps. A physician can detect the obvious signs, such as lack of a fetal heartbeat. For most women who have experienced a miscarriage, it will usually have occurred during the earliest stages of her pregnancy. This typically happens within the first two months during what is known as the beginning of the first trimester of pregnancy.

In many cases, signs of an early miscarriage that includes vaginal bleeding might have a specific pattern. For example, the bleeding might be a constant flow, either moderate or heavy. In other instances, the bleeding may suddenly stop, then begin again at a later time. Passing blood clots can also signify an impending miscarriage. The bleeding does not necessarily have to be heavy to indicate a miscarriage.

A symptom to be alerted to is passing tissue along with blood volume. If the tissue seems to be a different color than a blood clot, this could indicate the placenta has detached. A gray coloration could signify the embryo itself, dictating miscarriage has taken place.

Bleeding during pregnancy does not always mean an impending miscarriage, however. There are cases when light spotting might be due to a minor disturbance in some individuals. Circumstances such as heavy physical activity could cause light bleeding during pregnancy. In such a case, the physician will typically perform an examination or ultrasound to ensure there is no trouble with the baby's health.

If any of the early miscarriage signs are accompanied by back pain or pain in the pelvic region, it is recommended individuals see a physician as soon as possible. In such a case, the physician may check to see if the cervix is dilated. Dilation could mean the threat of miscarriage is possible.

Along with obvious symptoms of severe complications or impending miscarriage, there are less apparent early miscarriage signs. If the individual has experienced the typical morning sickness symptoms of nausea, then suddenly these symptoms have diminished very early on, this could be a warning sign. If breast tenderness, which was present at the start, suddenly has disappeared during the earliest stages of pregnancy, this might be another one of the early miscarriage signs.

Some cases of miscarriage could be due to genetics or a defect within a chromosome. Another reason why a miscarriage occurs could be problems directly related to the mother's health, such as a chronic illness or infection. Occasionally, there are no definitive answers or explanations. Some women are predisposed to having a high risk of miscarriage.

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Discussion Comments

By anon306880 — On Dec 02, 2012

I had a missed miscarriage in first trimester and I had no signs at all. I am now four weeks pregnant and for the last week I have been experiencing slight lower abdomen pain, usually triggered by rather frequent urinating. Mostly it feels like pressure mainly on left or right side of my lower abdomen.

Of course, I am slightly concerned but am hoping these are the round ligament stretching signs. Any advice would be appreciated. Fingers and toes crossed all is well, though.

By discographer — On Oct 11, 2012

@SarahGen-- Hey hun, it doesn't sound like you've got too much to worry about but keep an eye out for any other signs of miscarriage. And definitely go in get a checkup if you feel that there is something wrong, trust your instincts.

I had a miscarriage in the first trimester of my first pregnancy and I had all the signs except back pain. A couple of days before my miscarriage, I started to feel as though I wasn't pregnant anymore. My cravings stopped, so did the morning sickness. I guess the embryo had detached from the placenta at that time.

On the day of my miscarriage, I suddenly got terrible cramps, followed by spasms and I went to the hospital. When I was at the hospital, I started to bleed and I miscarried.

I'm sure different women experience these signs in a different order, with differing intensity or don't even experience some. It really depends on the individual.

By ZipLine — On Oct 10, 2012

@SarahGen-- There are muscular changes that take place in the first months of pregnancy that could cause some mild back pain. It doesn't necessarily mean that you're having a miscarriage. If you're worried, have your doctor do an ultrasound.

By SarahGen — On Oct 09, 2012

I'm in my first trimester and have been experiencing moderate lower back pain for the past couple of days. It's not very bad, but I'm worried that there might be something wrong. I don't have bleeding or any other early sign of a miscarriage though.

Could this be the beginning of a miscarriage? It's not normal to have back pain this early in the pregnancy right?

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